[Pingfloid]

I've been enjoying them for a decade, and now one driver is broken. Sending them for repair to the US from Thailand is not an option because the repair cost plus shipping plus import duties and VAT is above the price of a new one.

I haven't been active here for a while (because I was happily enjoying the LCD-2 ), but it seems like the under $500 favorite is the Hifiman Edition XS. Is that correct?

I use them mostly for music production and mixing (hard rock), and for tweaking guitar patches at the Fractal Audio Axe-FX III modeler. What I love most about the LCD-2 is that what I hear through them perfectly translates to what I hear through the studio monitors or a PA. They are a faithful replacement of the studio reference monitors.

Hifiman Edition XS?

 

[dunring]

The edition XS is ok, but the Ananda Stealth is an upgrade if it's in the budget where you are. The XS has more bass but the Ananda Stealth is a nice improvement over the original and better imaging and detail resolution than the XS. The Arya Stealth really is even better, if someday that's an option. I'd rather save money and get the Hifiman HE5xx (which I'm wearing now despite having much more expensive stuff behind me because they're so comfortable). Those are the value for money winners.

 

[Pingfloid]

The edition XS is ok, but the Ananda Stealth is an upgrade if it's in the budget where you are. The XS has more bass but the Ananda Stealth is a nice improvement over the original and better imaging and detail resolution than the XS. The Arya Stealth really is even better, if someday that's an option. I'd rather save money and get the Hifiman HE5xx (which I'm wearing now despite having much more expensive stuff behind me because they're so comfortable). Those are the value for money winners.

Thank you for the comments.

Do you mean the Drop + Hifiman HE5xx? The price now is only $189 from the official store. Is it really better than all the mentioned above?

https://drop.com/buy/drop-hifiman-he5xx

 

[Audeze]

I've been enjoying them for a decade, and now one driver is broken. Sending them for repair to the US from Thailand is not an option because the repair cost plus shipping plus import duties and VAT is above the price of a new one.

I haven't been active here for a while (because I was happily enjoying the LCD-2 ), but it seems like the under $500 favorite is the Hifiman Edition XS. Is that correct?

I use them mostly for music production and mixing (hard rock), and for tweaking guitar patches at the Fractal Audio Axe-FX III modeler. What I love most about the LCD-2 is that what I hear through them perfectly translates to what I hear through the studio monitors or a PA. They are a faithful replacement of the studio reference monitors.

Hifiman Edition XS?

Deco2000 is our regional distributor there. You should contact them to see if they do repairs in house.

https://www.deco.co.th/

That way you wouldn't have to ship directly to us.

 

[earmonger]

If you're looking for studio reference and incredible comfort you should consider the ATH-R70X.
https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/6/17535412/audio-technica-r70x-review-professional-headphones

 

[Pingfloid]

Deco2000 is our regional distributor there. You should contact them to see if they do repairs in house.

https://www.deco.co.th/

That way you wouldn't have to ship directly to us.

Thank you for the information! I will get in touch with them